Romania’s Nicușor Dan backs Ilie Bolojan for Prime Minister, signals pro-EU coalition

On 19 May, Romania’s President-elect Nicușor Dan reaffirmed his preference for Ilie Bolojan, the interim president, as his top choice for prime minister, emphasising a collaborative approach to forming a new government.

Dan, who won Sunday’s elections with 53.21%, has previously expressed support for Bolojan, a respected PNL figure who became interim president last February, following the resignation of Klaus Iohannis. He is known for his administrative efficiency as mayor of Oradea, reflects a desire for pragmatic leadership to tackle Romania’s challenges.

In interviews with B1 TV and Prima News, Dan outlined his vision for a stable, pro-European government that includes the National Liberal Party (PNL), Save Romania Union (USR), Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR), and the parliamentary group representing national minorities. He also highlighted the economic and geopolitical challenges Romania faces, underscoring the urgency of addressing the budget deficit and aligning with European security priorities.

Dan’s preference

The President-elect confirmed that he had met with Bolojan, describing ongoing discussions about the prime ministerial role. “Mr. Bolojan remains my option, without making any promises at this time,” Dan told B1 TV, noting that harmonising the expectations and conditions of coalition partners is a complex process. He expressed a strong desire for a broad coalition of pro-European parties – PNL, USR, UDMR,PSD and national minorities – to form a government with a robust parliamentary majority. “Ideally, all four, plus the minorities, to form a stable government,” he said, estimating that negotiations could take three to four weeks, with a potential resolution by mid-June.

Dan also addressed the possibility of a “tandem” leadership with himself as president and Bolojan as prime minister, calling it a “very suitable option” but not yet definitive due to the lack of a clear parliamentary majority. A coalition of PNL, USR, UDMR, and minorities could secure 179 MPs, falling short of the 233 votes needed to validate a government. This makes the role of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), with its 122 MPs, pivotal, either through direct participation or parliamentary support.

PSD’s internal struggles and coalition scenarios

The PSD’s direction remains uncertain following the resignation of its leader, Marcel Ciolacu, on 19 May, during an informal meeting at Vila Lac, according to HotNews sources. Ciolacu’s departure has intensified speculation about the party’s next steps, with Dan noting “tensions” within the PSD that need resolution before it can commit to a governing formula. He suggested that the PSD’s internal clarifications would influence whether it joins a coalition or supports a minority government led by PNL, USR, UDMR, and minorities.

Several scenarios are under consideration:

Broad Coalition: A government comprising PSD, PNL, USR, UDMR, and minorities could command a strong majority of 301 MPs, ensuring stability.
Minority Government: A PNL-USR-UDMR coalition, backed by national minorities, could govern with PSD’s parliamentary support. Without PSD’s votes, this coalition would fall short of a majority, with only 162–179 MPs.
PSD-Led Government: If the PSD insists on naming the prime minister, negotiations could stall, as Dan has expressed a clear preference for Bolojan.

Dan acknowledged the possibility of a minority government as “one of the options” but emphasised the need for PSD’s cooperation to achieve a functional majority. Formal discussions will begin after Dan takes the oath of office, tentatively scheduled for 26 May, before a joint session of Parliament, pending confirmation with Bolojan and other political leaders.

Economic and geopolitical priorities

Dan outlined three key priorities for his presidency:

Addressing the budget deficit: He warned of a “difficult economic period” ahead, attributing it to three years of fiscal mismanagement. “Romania has thrown money away, and now we have to correct it,” he said, promising a detailed plan within a week.
Geopolitical alignment: With the Russia-Ukraine war on Romania’s border, Dan stressed the need to harmonise with European states on security and defence, including Romania’s armament programs.
Government formation: Dan emphasized his active role in shaping the government, stating, “I would not want to be a president who says: ‘Here’s a prime minister, let him manage!’ I want to take responsibility for where we cut money and solve problems.”

Security and electoral concerns

Dan deferred decisions on appointing new secret service chiefs until the deficit and government formation issues are resolved. While praising the services for ensuring Romania’s stability, he criticised their handling of the November 2024 elections, calling it a “failure.” He vowed to investigate the role of a businessman who allegedly paid €1 million to influencers, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability. He didn’t name the businessman. “As president, I will clarify responsibilities as quickly and thoroughly as possible,” he told B1 TV.

Dan’s push for a pro-European coalition comes at a critical juncture for Romania. According to a Digi24 analysis from 20 May, the country faces mounting economic pressures, with a budget deficit projected to exceed 8% of GDP, necessitating austerity measures. The ongoing war in Ukraine and Romania’s role as a NATO member on the eastern flank further complicate the geopolitical landscape, requiring alignment with EU and NATO priorities.

The PSD’s internal turmoil adds uncertainty to coalition talks. A Euronews Romania report noted that Ciolacu’s resignation could signal a shift toward reformist voices within the party, potentially easing negotiations with pro-European factions. However, resistance from PSD hardliners who favour retaining control over the prime minister’s post could prolong the process.

Sources: HotNews Romania, Digi24, Euronews Romania

Caption: Romanian Interim President Ilie Bolojan delivers the opening speech during the ‘Romania and the OECD – The Country’s Main Project After NATO, the EU, and Schengen’ conference organized at Cotroceni presidential palace in Bucharest, Romania, 2 April 2025. Romanian authorities expect OECD accession to take place in 2026. [EPA-EFE/ROBERT GHEMENT]